The icon of Pope Benedict XVI is lit inside the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, Feb. 11, 2013. Pope Benedict XVI that day announced he would become the first pontiff in 600 years to resign. (2013 AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

COMMENTARY: All the immense good that he accomplished will continue to bear fruit. But his decision to abdicate will occupy the first place evaluating his legacy.

Father Raymond J. de Souza

It requires the distance of history to judge properly whether Pope Benedict XVI was right to abdicate in February 2013. Five years is not sufficient distance. A judgment about the wisdom of the abdication need not involve a judgment on the pontificate of Pope Francis, but in practice it is difficult to separate the two.

Nonetheless, on the fifth anniversary, there is an opportunity to reflect more soberly than was the case immediately after the earthquake of Feb. 11, 2013, when Benedict concluded a routine ceremony for the canonization of saints with the announcement that he would abdicate at the end of that same month.

At the time, I wrote that the abdication was an act of humility by a wise and holy man. George Weigel characterized it as “his last great act of service to the Church.” Those who greatly admired Benedict XVI were inclined to see the decision in the best light.

Even then, though, there were doubts. I wrote that what is foreseen by canon law was incomprehensible to the Catholic imagination, and it was profoundly unsettling.

Unsettling because what Benedict did had never been done before. Ever. In all the historical complexities of the Petrine office, no pope securely reigning, whose legitimacy was not in question, had ever abdicated.

The only remotely relevant case was that of Pope St. Celestine V, who resigned in 1294. In the summer of 1294, the papacy had been vacant for over two years. The cardinals were deadlocked. An 80-year-old monk, reputed for his ascetical discipline, wrote to the conclave, warning them that if they did not discharge their duty and elect a pope, they would face God’s wrath. The exhausted conclave responded by choosing the monk himself, Pietro da Morrone. He initially refused, but eventually gave in (or was coerced?) and was crowned in July 1294.

Six decades of monastic life left him ill-prepared to govern the Church, and he was soon overwhelmed and incompetent. Manifestly inadequate to the task, he promulgated a decree that permitted the pope to abdicate, and then did so. His papacy lasted five months.

Therefore, there was no precedent in the entire history of the Church for a pope, elected legitimately and without disputation, and manifestly able to function as pope, to resign. Furthermore, there is no precedent for a pope to resign on grounds of diminished health, given that every pope experiences diminished health sometime before he dies. Incapacity is different from diminishment, and Benedict was not incapacitated.

The burden of judgment then lies against the abdication.

Since February 2013, Benedict has not been entirely silent. His public interventions are few, but come every few months. The latest was this week in a letter to an Italian newspaper, thanking people for their prayers and good wishes as he enters the final phase of his life, a “pilgrimage toward Home.”

There was, however, Benedict’s final interview book. Regarding the abdication, Benedict answered questions put to him by his longtime interlocutor, Peter Seewald. He made two main points.

First, that in no way was he pressured to abdicate. Indeed, he insists that had there been pressure, or some crisis, he would not have been free to do so, as it would be “fleeing from the wolves,” which he resolved not to do in his inaugural homily as pope.

Second, his free decision was motivated by his own inner conviction, the maturation of long prayer and reflection, that he no longer had the capacity to continue.

After his trip to Mexico and Cuba in 2012, he concluded that he no longer had the strength for such journeys. His doctor told him that he could not make another trans-Atlantic trip. With the World Youth Day gathering scheduled for July 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Benedict resolved that as he was unable to keep that appointment, he must resign to make way for another. And so he did.

With utmost respect, this explanation, as offered, remains unconvincing. It is not obligatory for the pope to be at WYD. He could appear by video link. He could, one imagines, go on a special plane equipped with a bed and medical equipment. He could go a few days ahead of time and recuperate privately, as Benedict himself did for Sydney in 2008.

Above all, if the Lord wanted a new pope for WYD 2013, he could arrange matters, just as in 2005 the question of how the pope would be present at WYD Cologne was resolved by the death of John Paul and election of Benedict earlier in the year.

In Last Testament, Benedict argues that as he judged himself unable to maintain the current papal schedule, he could not continue as pope. Yet an alteration of the papal schedule would be a less radical step than changing the pope in office. Less frequent travel, a reduction in papal Masses, general audiences and Angelus appearances could plausibly be a path that Providence was indicating by Benedict’s diminishing strength.

Indeed, it would seem that precisely a period of less activity was required. Benedict himself indicated that his pontificate would not be one to replicate the immense number of documents under John Paul, nor would it keep the travel schedule that his predecessor set. But Benedict was industrious, above all in the superlative quality of his preaching and major addresses, as well as his three-volume life of Christ, Jesus of Nazareth.

A few years of less from the Holy Father might have given time for that material to be digested. Periods of activity and periods of rest would appear to be normal in a mission held for life.

Seminarians in Rome in the 1950s recall that it was the exception, rather than the twice-weekly norm, even to see Pope Pius XII in public. Going back to that would not be out of keeping with the papal tradition; to be honest, it was John Paul’s exhausting pace that was the novelty.

The governance difficulties that marked the end of Benedict’s pontificate were often discussed by commentators as reasons for the abdication. Benedict himself rejects that analysis. But what we have learned since is that a more vigorous man does not mean that good governance is effected.

In retrospect, if Benedict was frustrated that reform was slow in coming, it is likely because reform simply is unavoidably difficult and slow, rather than that something was lacking in Benedict or his principal collaborators.

Benedict will be remembered with gratitude and admiration for his long service to the Church, much of it given in spite of his desire to live the more hidden life of a priest-scholar. All the immense good that he accomplished will continue to bear fruit. But his decision to abdicate will occupy the first place in evaluating his legacy.

Cardinal Ratzinger took the view that the Holy Spirit had a mostly defensive role in the election of popes — that is, a given pope was not necessarily the will of God, but the promises of Christ meant that it would not lead to complete ruin.

It would seem the same approach is fitting for his own decision to abdicate. That it was taken by a holy man in total sincerity is beyond doubt. That it was God’s will is not clearly demonstrated, and seems less likely now than it did then.

I don’t know if Pope Benedict resigned BECAUSE of a “doctor’s orders,” but, in any case, I am inclined to think that he resigned (as I said below) because he knew he did NOT have the physical strength anymore to TRAVEL—-like his predecessor, Pope St.John Paul II—-and he KNEW that this is important in the 21st CENTURY.

My beliefs are just that-my beliefs. My beliefs are based on extenuating facts and suspicious events which transpired just prior to his abdication.
If you had been examining news articles and watching Catholic television broadcasts you would have known of his supposedly suffering a fall as the cause of a cut to his head. Or of the strange, almost inebriated-like, state he was in when conducting Mass. More telling is the EWTN broadcast of his abdication which was voice-dubbed over so much that not only could the viewer not see his lips clearly as he spoke, the angle of the camera was so far from him it was impossible to see him very well; and, even if Italian translation were possible by the viewer-who is to say what he said because his voice volume was so low. There are these observable facts and others which the passing of time has caused me to forget. However, during the broadcast I phoned the CTV in Rome and spoke my concerns in English and received a very defensive and very angrily suspicious response.
How is it that you are in a position to do and know what only God and Pope Benedict XVI think, say and do?
You state an absolute judgment of the pope whom you judge as having “total sincerity” that is
“Beyond doubt”. You also say “He KNEW…”—Again, how do you know what was going on inside his the pope’s head or heart?
Further, you must not have read the entire article to know that the pope can appear by live remote teleprompter or send a papal message to the World Youth Day. Live attendance at such an event, while desirable, is neither a requirement nor a duty of any pope.
My caution to you is this; times are changing, the devil works very effectively through the media, especially with the advent of fake news.
The answer to better discernment of the truth and how to combat the devil is to receive the Holy Eucharist and recite the Holy Rosary daily.
Remember that the devil seeks to (and finds it easy to devour presumptious, sin-filled souls!

Posted by Theresa H on Monday, Feb, 19, 2018 5:49 PM (EDT):

I prefer to accept Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s reason for his resignation. He knew he could not physically meet the needs of the CHURCH in the 21st Century, perhaps in more ways than one, but including travel….Just look, how we SEE him: bent over, and with a cane. I gather that his ‘mind” is still as sharp and fluent as ever in matters of life IN CHRIST, but I believe he is totally “looking to what lies ahead” AND dedicating himself to PRAYER for the ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, and APOSTOLIC CHURCH. I, also, believe that we ARE truly blest to have this saintly Emeritus Pope, here, among us.

Posted by Richard B. Burchell on Monday, Feb, 19, 2018 5:21 PM (EDT):

The promises of Christ would not lead to complete ruin? How then the communism of the current pope disguised as liberation theology? The Church has failed in its mission as has the current ‘pope’.

Posted by Randy S Williams on Monday, Feb, 19, 2018 2:26 PM (EDT):

I have been a baptised Catholic since 1947, a confirmed Catholic since 1959. I am surprised at nothing that happens in my Church, The One Holy Catholic and Apostolic. Neither am I a mind or heart reader, so I do not know why Benedict recused himself from the papacy other than his stated reasons. What I do believe though, based on what he has written, is that our Pope Emeritus is a good man and Catholic to the core of his being. As for the “Will Of God” pertinent to Benedict’s decision, I think that we should kneel outside that Holy Of Holies, and pray for humility.

Posted by max green on Monday, Feb, 19, 2018 12:43 PM (EDT):

In his backwards leaning efforts to justify his conclusion, the author never even mentions what many feel was the real reason for the pope’s abdication—the rampant abuse of minors by priests he failed to sanction.

Posted by Linda Maria on Monday, Feb, 19, 2018 4:12 AM (EDT):

Before today’s post-Conciliar era, a Pope was a “prisoner of the Vatican,” and did not travel outside the Vatican at all. A Pope was highly respected, and obeyed by all. The Church discouraged everyone from questioning the actions of a Pope. And many modern technological inventions, especially those used by newsmen—did not even exist! Life was much slower, and people did not live as long—medical science was limited! In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Church traditions were preserved and observed, and what you did, was to follow along, and be silent about your opinions. Many could not read nor write, and Catholics were taught to lead a good life, obey the Church, and hope to die and go to Heaven! You did not question the Pope! Our era is completely different—we cannot compare the way of life, and Church traditions observed in past eras, including Papal traditions—- with modern ecclesiastical life, today!

Posted by Linda Maria on Monday, Feb, 19, 2018 2:21 AM (EDT):

Pope Benedict XVI (emeritus) has been a very ill, elderly prelate—and so ill, he has to be wheeled on a special cart, into a church, for Mass, because he is so frail and sick, he can hardly stand up or walk! He needs special assistance for everything! He was born with a completely different physical constitution than Pope St. John Paul II—who was born athletic and hearty, and pursued athletic activities all through his life—hiking, skiing, etc. Pope St. John Paul II had a very different situation, when elderly and sick, than Pope Benedict XVI (emeritus). We must all RESPECT and OBEY “Doctor’s Orders” on the subject of Pope Benedict’s Doctor-prescribed resignation!! There is nothing more to say, except to assure the good Pope Benedict of our love and prayers for him, always! It is SELFISH, EVIL, and GOSSIPY, to make any further “judgments” or comments, on this tragic situation—or to say that “history has to judge poor Pope Benedict’s resignation”—- no, history does NOT need to do that all!!—- just to simply state the facts—“Pope Benedict resigned due to Doctors Orders..” That’s all!!

Posted by Stephen M on Sunday, Feb, 18, 2018 9:07 AM (EDT):

Benedict gave us the sign of Pope Celestine V but he knew perfectly well that you cannot think of the times of Celestine without thinking of his successor Boniface VIII. What was Benedict trying to say? I think it is clear.

Posted by Seam McG on Saturday, Feb, 17, 2018 8:49 PM (EDT):

The contemporary Catholic Church is a much more administratively, at least, complex institution than in previous centuries and would I conjecture place extremely greater demands on a leader. The lack of precedent in the past should not be a major criticism of Pope Benedict’s decision.

Posted by Eleanor on Saturday, Feb, 17, 2018 6:54 PM (EDT):

Benedict XVI is the honest, brilliant and enlightened man who wrote the Catechism of the Catholic Church before he became Pope. I find it difficult to agree that the decision he made, after many agonizing hours of contemplation, was wrong.

FACT: (As the author of this article himself states) “...in no way was he (Pope Benedict XVI) pressured to abdicate. Indeed, he insists that had there been pressure, or some crisis, he would not have been free to do so, as it would be “fleeing from the wolves,” which he resolved not to do in his inaugural homily as pope.
FURTHER FACT: Yes, “had there been pressure” (-which I truly believe there WAS!)he would not have been free to do so (-which I believe he was not free to do so) and yes, it would be-and WAS!-fleeing from the wolves!!!
You see dear readers, he may have, at inauguration, resolved not to flee from these wolves; but at some point changed his mind—-Or, rather he did not so much “flee” as to go into hiding.
I can see through and between the lines of our dear Pope Bendedict XVI’s words.
Therefore I pray and offer sacrifice to Immaculate Mary for my dear “Papa Benedict”-the true Bishop of Rome, as I, like St. Joan of Arc, had done for poor King Charles of France.
In Her Spirit I Say; “May you rise again someday to the True Papacy My Dear Pope!!!

Posted by Theresa H on Saturday, Feb, 17, 2018 1:50 PM (EDT):

Re. Pope Benedict, the above Article says: That “the abdication of the Chair of Peter [by Pope Benedict] was taken by a holy man in total sincerity is beyond doubt. That it was God’s will is not clearly demonstrated, and seems less likely now than it did then.” The Catholic Church differentiates between: “GOD’s WILL” & “GOD’S PERMISSIVE WILL.” Sometimes we have to make a very difficult choice. I believe the reasons Pope Benedict gave for his abdication of the Papacy, were honest and sincere—-and after MUCH PRAYER BEFORE GOD: He KNEW his physical abilities were seriously waning AND he saw it necessary—-AND IMPORTANT FOR THE CHURCH (in the 20th CENTURY) FOR THE POPE TO TRAVEL. (THAT was what moved him to resign.) As for the subsequent Papal Election, the electing CARDINALS are responsible.

Posted by eugene cherny on Thursday, Feb, 15, 2018 11:41 PM (EDT):

to all who say that Pope Benedict was becoming infirm and was right to abdicate- have you already forgotten how John Paul’s last years were spend in profound debility due to Parkinson’s disease? It was often stated that Pope John Paul the Great, in holding his position until death, was a hero and example of the dignity and profound value of the elderly. Yes, a hero for the cause of life. you can’t call Pope Benedict’s replacement and his minions exactly pro life heroes.

@ lencho———————- You wrote—-The Mormon Church for years was baptizing Holocaust martyrs until Israel asked them to stop as it was offensive. The Mormon Church most likely has your name in their files and are just waiting for you to die before they baptize you. How do you fell about that? Would your family take offense?
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I did not say we should “baptize” the Jewish victims and make them Christians. I merely suggested they be declared martyrs—-Jewish martyrs—- along with our saints and martyrs that we might recognize them as martyrs in heaven.—-a brotherhood and sisterhood which Jews and Christians could use as a “common ground”—-a shared “relationship” under God since we are all brothers and sisters under one Father. If people love God—-and if they believe in heaven and sainthood—-how can they find it offensive if we believe the Jewish victims are in “heaven” with Almighty God?

Christ said, “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” The Jews were hated because they gave Christ to the world—-therefore, they died “for Christ” which is why I believe Christ was with them when they died and took them to heaven.
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I was baptized into the Catholic Church as a baby. The Mormons could not harm me—-whatever they did would be worthless since one baptism is all that is needed.

There’s a big difference in religions like the Mormon religion and the Catholic Church. Humans who institute religions have no Covenant with God. How can they promise people that they will go to heaven when they don’t “own” heaven? Only the Catholic Church was instituted by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, under God’s Auspices as God’s New Covenant agreement with all mankind. Only God and Christ can promise us heaven—-since they are the Proprietors of heaven.

This has been written in my name. Ruth Ruhl-LaMusga

Posted by Samper Fidei on Wednesday, Feb, 14, 2018 6:42 PM (EDT):

Simply put, I love Benedict XVI. He and JP II were the two popes that this faithful Catholic came of age. I learned so much from these two intellectual giants. I so miss listening and reading him. Oh, what a come down. As Damian Thompson wrote, we went from Mozart to Muzak and I would add that we went from beef bourguignon to beef turkey. I, for my part, will never stop saying that The Lavender Mob Sankt Gallen Mafia had a great deal to do with Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI resignation. In due course, Pope Benedict will go down as one of the great fathers of the Church.

God speed, Holy Father, know very well that there are many who loves you very much.

Posted by Debbie on Tuesday, Feb, 13, 2018 4:30 PM (EDT):

One of the things I hope always to remember is that we should never be quick to judge a case in which all circumstances are not known. We may say Pope Benedict should not have abdicated, but we cannot know that for sure because we have not been made privy to the details of what made him arrive at his decision. We don’t know all the facts, and we most likely, in this lifetime, never will. Further, even if we had all the facts, every tidbit, we still may not be equipped with all the understanding to properly discern because some things remain hidden in God alone. When Jesus Christ walked the earth, loving, comforting, healing everyone with whom he came into contact, those who loved him questioned why it happened. Wasn’t he good to all? Didn’t he love us, comfort us, give us purpose? Perhaps most poignantly recorded, two men on the road to Emmaus, seemingly bewildered, to their very own disguised Savior, exclaimed sorrowfully, “. . .we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” (Luke 24:21) But what they didn’t grasp is that the one they hoped would redeem Israel had, in fact, done the very thing for which they hoped—but in a more profound, all-encompassing way than they could have ever dreamed. That is the goodness of God. And it should be something every Christian cherishes within his Godward heart. St. Paul, giving glory to God, once gushed, “. . . to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine . . .” (Eph 3:20) We may love Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. We may wish he had not abdicated and assess that he shouldn’t have. We may say we forgive or say we do not. But when all is said and done, he is a faithful man, a good Shepherd; and whether he should or should not have stepped down is between God and his own servant, Benedict. What is within our ability to discern and be thankful for is the knowledge and certainty that God will accomplish his holy will and bring all things into the light. It is now as it has always been, as St. Paul comforted, “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” (Ro 8:28-29)

Posted by John Stevens on Tuesday, Feb, 13, 2018 4:15 PM (EDT):

So many commentators think Pope Francis is not only inferior to Pope Benedict the 16th, but seem to actually believe is some kind of anti-Pope.
Sorry, but that’s just not true. That’s not true, because most of what is imputed to Pope Francis is not true. Pope Francis has been deliberately, maliciously and repeatedly maligned, misquoted, has his words taken out of context, and then any clarifying statements simply not reported.
If you are wondering about the lesson that this Pope has for God’s Church, it is found in the words of the Pope himself. One cannot walk with sinners if one refuses to walk with sinners. One cannot stand solely in judgement over other people: compassion, love, mercy and healing must accompany the judgement. He stands for engagement with the world: a necessary thing if one wishes to save it.
Do not trust the media to give you the full and complete story. Repeatedly, I’ve heard inflamatory statements about “What Pope Francis has Said!” and when I go to the transcript . . . it was a lie.
No amount of pleading with those whose mind is made up will change anything. Such persons are already violating one of the core teachings of the Church: good will. But for those who have doubts, don’t simply listen to gossip or accusations: ask for actual evidence, and do your own research. What the Pope is asking of us is difficult, confusing and can lead to misunderstandings, but that is part of the lesson: to accompany those who are in the outer darkness, but who see in the distance the glory of God’s Church. They simply need someone who loves them enough, and is compassionate enough to accompany them on the journey.

Posted by Lencho on Tuesday, Feb, 13, 2018 3:02 PM (EDT):

@ Ruth Ruhl-La Musga

The Mormon Church for years was baptizing Holocaust martyrs until Israel asked them to stop as it was offensive. The Mormon Church most likely has your name in their files and are just waiting for you to die before they baptize you. How do you fell about that? Would your family take offense?

Posted by Anthony on Tuesday, Feb, 13, 2018 2:09 PM (EDT):

At the time of Benedict`s resignation I thought him a physically weak man showing his years and with the Church or Vatican in crisis extremely difficult for him to cope. That he is a genuine holy man as the article states is beyond question. But following on from that statement therefore one must believe what Pope Benedict stated at the time that he freely made the decision himself without any pressure from an outside source. Otherwise there is a contradiction crediting him a sincere holy man and not telling the truth. Holiness does not deceive. That Pope Benedict may have got it wrong is another and different point altogether.

Posted by john spizziri on Tuesday, Feb, 13, 2018 11:39 AM (EDT):

Its hard to take the long view with respect to history and the enduring Church- however this is a Cross we all ust bear.

Posted by BHG on Tuesday, Feb, 13, 2018 9:25 AM (EDT):

“It would seem the same approach is fitting for his own decision to abdicate. That it was taken by a holy man in total sincerity is beyond doubt. That it was God’s will is not clearly demonstrated, and seems less likely now than it did then.”

Because, of course, Go’s will is always transparent and easy for us to identify and corresponds to our own desires.

Pope Benedict did what he did and is who he is. Pope Francis is who he i and is Pope. To wonder otherwise is to engage in a fantasy. This is reality and it is a gift. For both, pray for their shortcomings, celebrate their gifts and get on with the mission God has given us, which is not choosing the Pope.

Posted by Amos on Monday, Feb, 12, 2018 10:51 PM (EDT):

With regards to WYD: just abolish it, and then we will have less sacrilege toward our Lord. But maybe events promoting the youth is more important then offending our Lord in the Most Holy Eucharist?

Posted by Jason Steidl on Monday, Feb, 12, 2018 10:06 PM (EDT):

There is no theology in this commentary that suggests it was wrong, or even canonically incorrect, for the pope to resign. This is a tenuous opinion piece with little grounding in Catholic Tradition.

“... Feb. 11, 2013, when Benedict concluded a routine ceremony for the canonization of saints with the announcement that he would abdicate at the end of that same month.”
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What I’m writing here was presented to my pastor and subsequently my Bishop in June, 2007 in a two page letter. My parish Church was celebrating it’s 100th anniversary—-and the parish members had been asked to suggest special projects to celebrate the anniversary.

I asked that the parish arrange to have every parish in the U. S. petition Pope Benedict XVI to declare the victims of the Holocaust martyrs—-to establish a “common ground” between Jews and Catholics. I was squelched—-told it would “offend” Jewish leadership. I asked why Jewish leadership had control over the decisions of Jesus Christ’s Church—-I also asked why Pope Benedict wasn’t allowed to decide for himself. I wasn’t answered.

It was a terrible blow when Pope Benedict resigned—-I’ve always felt he was coerced. I knew with a certainty that God had made him Pope for that specific reason—-to bring healing—-and the much needed “common ground.”

Pope Benedict XVI was the first German Pope and will probably be the last since all populations today
seem to be “melding.” That’s why I believe God selected Benedict XVI to specifically heal the deep wounds, not just on the souls of the Jewish people, but also on the souls of all mankind for the Holocaust was a crime against humanity—-God’s human life—-for we are brothers and sisters with one Father.

Our Lord, Jesus Christ was in the gas chambers and in the ovens collecting the souls of the victims who died for Him. The Jews were hated because they gave Christ to the world.

The angels and saints know the victims are in heaven. God wants the world to know. He selected Pope Benedict XVI for one reason—-to establish a “common ground”—- between Catholics and Jews by declaring the victims “martyrs”—-to take their place alongside our brotherhood and sisterhood of saints. It will not make everyone happy. But the world should also know that an attack on Jewish people is an attack on our Jewish Miracle Worker, Jesus Christ, and on His Catholic people. There is great danger in the world for religion today—-there is safety in numbers.

This has been written in my name. Ruth Ruhl-LaMusga

Posted by Ryan M. on Monday, Feb, 12, 2018 7:57 PM (EDT):

It is not for any of us, barely higher in intellect than apes, to guess what is or isn’t God’s will. Perhaps pride will remain our biggest barrier to true obedience.

Posted by Rob B. on Monday, Feb, 12, 2018 12:49 PM (EDT):

Given Pope Francis’s willingness to accept lay investiture in the case of China, I find myself very confused about what the Holy Spirit is trying to say to us through Benedict’s resignation and Francis’s pontificate.

Posted by Angela on Monday, Feb, 12, 2018 12:38 PM (EDT):

When I converted in 2010, Pope Benedict was a huge part of that decision. Having come from a denomination that had been thoroughly corrupted (which I now see as the natural result of having left the authority of the Catholic Church in the first place), I hungered for holiness and Truth. I found them in the Church Pope Benedict presided over.

I still miss him. When I read his works I remember the clarity. But I know the end of the story, and that the gates of hell will not prevail.

Posted by Anthony on Monday, Feb, 12, 2018 7:53 AM (EDT):

May I add one abiding memory of Benedict XV1 pontificate that stays warmly with me was his visit to England. The media`s hostile reaction to his visit, the personal and group animosity towards him was amazingly dissipated by his actual visit. People who were consumed with hatred towards his visit ended up questioning their own militancy and disposition as a result of his words. One could say he disarmed them and what started off as a hostile media ended up as a warm inquisitive reception of him. One could say he enchanted them leaving them questioning themselves where they got the idea of him being a German Rottweiler. But most of all for me was in their fascination of him a helicopter caught him praying his rosary in the garden of the Vatican embassy in London. Here was this brilliant acknowledged intellectual or great mind praying the so called simple rosary. That for me is a great lesson from a great teacher that will always remain with me. As one Catholic writer wrote The Holy Spirit must have been with him. What was looking like a human disaster of a Papal visit was transformed into a spiritually delightful few days. Yet Benedict caught praying his rosary stands out for me.

Posted by Anthony on Monday, Feb, 12, 2018 6:57 AM (EDT):

We can only speculate, wonder and question the why of it all. That Pope Benedict was a humble holy man and great, great teacher is beyond question. The legacy he left us should be our guiding light in these troubled dark times. It is easy to say, Gods ways are not ours, and its a mystery yet we are where we are. What is clear is that all that is happening was already simmering and is now very much in the open. JP11`s warning of the anti church existing within genuine Catholicism has come true and is now manifest. What I think is a more pertinent focus is, how did we end up where we are. How and why was the Church infiltrated and by whom apart from the spiritual enemy. Evil needs human agents, associations, philosophies, cooperation etc. Fatima, Lourdes, etc does calls us back big time to genuine prayer, repentance and conversion.

Posted by Bobby on Monday, Feb, 12, 2018 2:30 AM (EDT):

Maybe, it is the end of times. Pope Benedict was succeeded by an anti-Christ. It is nothing new for the devil to quote the Holy Bible. The devil has been doing it since Christ’s time. The present successor has destroyed Europe, America and the Catholic Church.

I hope that Pope Benedict remembers Pope John Paul and remembers that he still has work left to do. This week is Valentine’s Day Week and he should receive lots of love and that should help him to want to live a while. I hope that this is acceptable for reading I sent two already. I refer to Pope Benedict as my Papa like a grandfather. He should want to live a long time.

Greetings,
I have not seen anything in writing from Benedict online in quite sometime. The act of abdication the last thing that George Wiegel did for the church. I pray that’s not the last thing that Benedict does because he is certainly full of wisdom. I often think of him visiting his homeland in Beautiful Bavaria with his brother George and his caretaker Archbishop Ganswein. It’s also Valentine’s Day this week and they should be able to enjoy a loving holiday. I think God has him around much to contribute similar to Pope John Paul. Therefore, I pray Benedict considers all of these things and plan and pray for the good that can and will come his way. If most Catholics and Christians consider Pope John Paul whom was the Pope before Benedict and then Benedict a lot of people will celebrate life with him. I believe that’s what God has me to consistently remember and I pray Pope Benedict remembers that too.

Posted by matt on Monday, Feb, 12, 2018 12:09 AM (EDT):

I disagreed with the resignation and never thought the reasons given held much water. But I also forgive the Holy Father.
.
Meanwhile, there also comes a time when the Church - hierarchy and faithful - have to GROW UP and walk on their own. This latter failure is the greater of the two.

I am surprised to see an article like this by DeSouza. Of course it may have been Gods Will. It may well have been that Pope Francis has caused us all to learn our catholic faith more. He has caused many homosexuals and weirdos to rise to high places, and they are all now pushing for gay blessings, etc. Now we see who they are. Alternatively God may have decided that we did not deserve a good Pope anymore, and he decided to punish us. Of COURSE it may have been Gods will.

Posted by John Michael Akers on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 10:31 PM (EDT):

Joseph Ratzinger, one of the greatest men in church history, knew what he was doing. May God hold him in the palm of His hand. All other thoughts are feeble in comparison to his.

Posted by Maureen on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 9:04 PM (EDT):

I wonder if it is true that Benectict did not resign from the entire papacy, just the face of it - the public part - which is, of course, un unprecedented as well. I mean, if there is any truth to this, I could believe that Benedict is the true suffering pope who Our Lady warned us about at Fatima.

Posted by Judy on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 7:30 PM (EDT):

Summorum Pontificum alone stand against the fall of VTII.
He made the devil in rage. How we are blessed with this treasure!
I personally can not imagine how to be consoled the faith life without the joy of TLM and the return of Gregorian chant!
We are gratrateful with his teaching,
We miss his charm in grace,
We miss the beauty of splendid liturgy in his time.
We can go along with people, yet we ought to render what is God’s in reverence and beauty.
I cannot imagine The Liturgy of heaven in a poor man’s garment!
Many will see ,his sainly humble shy face along multitude of saints some day!

Posted by Marianne on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 6:08 PM (EDT):

I, too, wish Benedict had remained our Pope. Yet, as much as we struggle to understand the wisdom of Pope Francis, there must be a reason for his papacy that we can’t see. For whatever reason, we know that God would not have allowed error. It can send our human imaginations into a frenzy thinking about how this could play out, but there is a danger in second-guessing God.

I’m just going to pray.
A lot.

Posted by Maggie McT on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 6:04 PM (EDT):

I continue to trust Benedict. Few men have been so thoughtful and prayerful about their responsibilities. Benedict is not to blame for the overly quick decision of the cardinals to choose Francis, and I wonder how many of them now regret that election. Given longer lifespans, and the possibilities of dementia, I believe it has to be possible for a pope to resign. That Benedict’s generous decision has led to the current papacy is regrettable perhaps, but I will always believe he did what he genuinely understood to be the will of God for himself and the Church.

Posted by Al on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 5:59 PM (EDT):

When Benedict XVI reaches Home, I have little doubt he will hear, Well done, good and trustworthy servant!” And, there will be no appending asterisk as some seem wont to do regarding his decision to vacate the See of Saint Peter. What followed his doing so is not on him. We continue to pray for him.

Posted by Tom Finnigan on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 5:57 PM (EDT):

But what about the souls potentially lost because of this catastrophic papacy? Time for Pope Francis to be called out. Plenty of concrete evidence to remkve him from office.

Posted by justmaybe on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 5:20 PM (EDT):

I agree with the author—-it is too early to make judgements. There are two Catholic laws (though surely not canons) that tell us how inadequate we are to draw conclusions:

. The Law of Temporal Provincialism—what we think we “know” in the now is insufficient for predicting or analyzing the future, short- or long-term.

. The Law of Unintended Consequences—reasons for making a decision might, in the future, prove to elicit consequences directly opposed to the original intent.

The impact of Benedict’s decision, then, can’t be linked to what happens(ed) next or even to what happens after that. It’s probably best to defer judgement until, at minimum, we see what happens after what happens next. Hence, the need to consider another law:

.The Law of the Pendulum that tells us you don’t get Francis if you didn’t have JP II; you don’t get JP II if you didn’t have John XXIII.

Posted by Maria on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 5:01 PM (EDT):

I was deeply disturbed when Pope Benedict abdicated, and I am more disturbed five years later. Because I am of a generation born long after Vatican II, I thought that the Church was secure, and immoveable, a sure guide in a tumultuous world. This assumption has been tested every day since Pope Benedict left us.

Posted by Theresa H on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 4:43 PM (EDT):

Since Pope Benedict retired, we see him bent and with a cane or walker. He retired because he knew that he could NOT do what a Pope needs to do today: that is, travel around the world periodically “to confirm the brethern in the Faith,” as St. Paul put it. Surely, Pope Benedict did NOT know what the outcome of the subsequent “Papal Election” would be, but, NOW, he must know enough to PRAY DAILY for Pope Francis, as all of us should.

Posted by Rene Cordero on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 4:35 PM (EDT):

Interesting analysis. I feel so sorry for Benedict, I love him as much as I loved Pope John Paul. I believe that if we can criticize Benedict for something (and no human is beyond criticism), is in being naive in trusting that the majority of cardinals (in a Church were dissent is pervasive) would be smart (or faithful) enough to choose a man worthy of the papacy.

Posted by Susan on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 3:58 PM (EDT):

I agree, in part, to Quadriatus’ previous post…that it is “not Benedict’s fault that he trusted that a faithful Pope would be elected to follow him.” I believe God (the Holy Spirit) works in mysterious ways. I also agree that maybe Pope Francis was elected “to test the faithful” ??Maybe with Pope Benedict’s abdication, it set up a precedent for future Popes to abdicate. e.g., Pope Francis?? I trust and have faith that the Lord is and will always be with the Roman Catholic Church, and we must pray unceasingly for Pope Francis as well as all of the Magisterium.

Posted by Mary on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 3:37 PM (EDT):

Is it fair to compare Pope Benedict’s resignation with Pope Paul VI’s abandonment of the papal tiara? Both decisions seem to suggest similar things about the sacred nature of the office.

Posted by taad on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 3:29 PM (EDT):

If God did not shorten the period of trial, even the elect would be lost…are we there? Was the Papacy of Benedict a shortening of the Papacy of Francis?

Posted by Fr Peter Morello on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 2:24 PM (EDT):

Fr de Souza laid emphasis on whether it was God’s will that Benedict retired as seemingly unlikely in context of what has transpired. Obviously referring to what’s transpired since the election of “their man”, ‘their’ the St Gallen Group’s ‘man’ Cardinal Jorge Begoglio. Whether he ‘peacefully’ retired is also questionable, “It is ‘no coincidence’ that some Catholic groups ‘have asked President Trump to open a commission of inquiry to investigate whether the administration of Barack Obama exerted pressure on Benedict,’ said Archbishop Luigi Negri in an interview Monday, citing other revelations by Wikileaks regarding efforts by the Democratic Party to sway the direction of the Catholic Church in the United States” (Breitbart). John Podesta is a central figure in this. Retired Cardinal Cormac Murphy- OConnor a close participant of the “Group” knew the election was all arranged as cited in Austen Ivereigh’s first edition of the Great Reformer. When Ivereigh realized in his in euphoria over Bergoglio’s election that he let the cat out of the bag in detailing the canonical breach in soliciting votes he immediately withdrew that edition and published a 2nd omitting his blunder. Some maintain Bergoglio was invalidly elected. Nonetheless canon lawyer E Peters believes Bergoglio may not have been canonically elected but nonetheless is validly elected. Benedict XVI is a man of great integrity and perhaps honestly felt he should abdicate. But even men of great integrity can be pressured and unwilling to admit that such pressure played a significant part. I pray for this wonderful good man. Like many of us Oh how we wish he remained our Pontiff.

Posted by Clara Schoppe on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 2:10 PM (EDT):

I am so sorry that Pope Benedict XVI abdicated. But. perhaps we did not deserve such a great Pope as he, nor did we deserve such a great pope as Saint John Paul II. Perhaps Pope Francis is what we deserve.
I take comfort in the last two paragraphs of this article: “Cardinal Ratzinger took the view that the Holy Spirit had a mostly defensive role in the election of popes — that is, a given pope was not necessarily the will of God, but the promises of Christ meant that it would not lead to complete ruin.
It would seem the same approach is fitting for his own decision to abdicate. That it was taken by a holy man in total sincerity is beyond doubt. That it was God’s will is not clearly demonstrated, and seems less likely now than it did then.”

Posted by joe de carlo on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 2:00 PM (EDT):

I wish that Francis would abdicate before he ruins the church.

Posted by Baseballmom on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 1:10 PM (EDT):

Spot on analysis. Not being able to travel is a strange reason for abdication. There are still many questions - the answers will not be known or understood for decades. That all orthodox Catholics have suffered greatly since 2013 cannot be disputed.

Posted by Jim on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 1:08 PM (EDT):

I love Pope Benedict but his abdication and the selection of Francis as Pope has been an absolute disaster for the Church. Look at the fruits of this- all the division-the ignorance and corruption of the men with whom Francis has surrounded himself. From Cardinal Danneels who covered up sexual abuse and applauded same sex “marriage” in Belgium being invited to the Synod on the Family, to Cardinal Marx who has given approval of blessing of same sex couples, to Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, who praised China as the paragon of Catholic Social teaching Francis’s papacy has been a disaster. We now have his betrayal of good Catholics in China by his agreeing to have the Communist Party have a say in the selection of bishops. The only thing which gives me hope is that, in the end, God will win. In the meantime we have deep divisions and false prophets abounding.

Posted by Donald Link on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 12:52 PM (EDT):

It has been truly said that a man has got to know his limitations. Pope Benedict was obviously aware of his physical condition and its limiting effect on his duties. He did the right thing. Unfortunately, some of his predecessors in the same situation did not and the Church was not the better for it.

Posted by gene cherny on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 12:37 PM (EDT):

It was reported that one cause of Benedict’s retirement was his inability to reform the corrupt Vatican bank. It has also been reported in this periodical that now Francis has essentially given up on the seemingly intractable problem. Would Benedict have retired had he known that it would be just business as usual at the Vatican bank, with the new Pope a socialist and a tireless activist for heterodoxy?

Posted by Mark on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 12:32 PM (EDT):

Excellent analysis!

Posted by Jane on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 12:27 PM (EDT):

God bless dear Pope Emeritus Benedict! I miss him! I love seeing him in online postings; on television on EWTN, wherever this wonderful man can be seen. I had wanted to send him an email, but can’t find an address. I understand that his staff would be opening and reading the note to him, but I had so wanted to encourage him and tell him how much I love him. He is so gentle and warm and orthodox. He is the true pillar of our beautiful Catholic Church that Jesus, Himself, established. I so love and miss this godly man who lead our Church after the death of dearest JPII! God be with you eternally, dear Father Benedict!

Posted by Thibaud on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 10:55 AM (EDT):

Thanks for this article. The conclusion is perfect.
This decision was obviously one of the worst things that ever happened to the Church, since it led to the Francis papacy.
I think the victims of Bishop Barros would agree.

Posted by Ed on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 9:49 AM (EDT):

THE UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE DAY: “What we have learned since [Pope Benedict’s abdication] is that a more vigorous man does not mean that good governance is effected.”

Posted by Quadratus on Sunday, Feb, 11, 2018 9:34 AM (EDT):

Pope Benedict indeed is a stellar witness to the faith and it is easy to understand why he resigned. If he had been followed by a strong, morally courageous Pope, one who would have in humility sought to implement and promulgate the great encyclicals and teachings of JP II, including his Theology of the Body, along with Benedict’s own exalted Catholic insights, few would even still be debating his abdication. Unfortunately, we have a leader who whether by design or not, is dismantling the foundations of the Church. From Pope Francis’ view of sexual sins being “most minor sins” to his clear anger toward “Traditionalists”, to his now infamous and toxic “revolutionary’ “paradigm shifter” AL teaching, we have reached an apex of confusion and laxity never before seen in the history of Church. None of this is Benedict’s direct fault, because he trusted that a faithful Pope would be elected to follow him. God is allowing this trial to test the faithful and distinguish them from lukewarm and morally feckless Carholics so that a new evangelization can occur and a purified Church will arise. Heartbreaking to have to endure this trial but God put us all here in this time to make a choice, and those who truly love Him must charitably, but boldly, stand up and decry the errors that are streaming from the Vatican regularly. The Church has come full circle. Pilate asked Jesus just before he crucified Him, “What is truth?” We now have too many Church leaders asking the same question, and like Pilate, they are acquiescing to the secular and political pressures of the world and condemning Christ all over again.

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